Source: Official Team Post via X
Alain Prost Reveals His Surprise at Kimi Antonelli's Championship Triumph
Alain Prost has expressed his admiration for Kimi Antonelli's rapid adaptation to the new F1 regulations, which led to his unexpected championship win. Despite initial expectations favoring other drivers, Antonelli's performance has impressed the four-time champion.
Very few observers had pegged Kimi Antonelli as a favorite to win the 2026 F1 championship at the season's outset, but the young Italian defied expectations, much to the surprise of F1 legend Alain Prost. As the new season commenced, many anticipated that Mercedes' technical prowess would give George Russell a clear path to the title. However, it was Antonelli who emerged victorious, securing the championship in a manner that left even seasoned experts like Prost in awe.
Prost, speaking in a recent interview with L'Equipe, highlighted how impressed he was with Antonelli's ability to navigate the new technical regulations introduced that year. Reflecting on his own career, Prost noted that he was five years older than Antonelli when he first got a chance to race in F1, underscoring the young driver's precocious talent.
The four-time world champion praised Antonelli's remarkable adaptability, suggesting that the new regulations might have played to the young driver's strengths. "At 20, Kimi might even have a sort of advantage, especially when it comes to energy management," Prost remarked. What truly surprised Prost was Antonelli's seamless adjustment to the demands of F1, likening him to an 'old veteran' despite his youth.
Antonelli's flawless performance at the Monaco Grand Prix was particularly noteworthy for Prost. "I didn't see even the slightest mistake from him throughout the whole weekend," he recalled, emphasizing the pressure and precision required in such a challenging environment.
Antonelli's admiration for Ayrton Senna, Prost's former rival, adds another layer to the story. The Italian has often spoken about his respect for the three-time world champion, and he will continue to race with Senna's iconic number 12 on his Mercedes car next year, despite having earned the right to use number 1.
Prost's comments will likely resonate with Antonelli, who has already made a significant mark in F1 at the age of 20. His unexpected triumph, combined with his ability to adapt quickly to new challenges, suggests a promising future for the young champion.